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Eczema herpeticum. Clinical and laboratory features
V M Novelli1, D J Atherton, W C Marshall
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital for Sick Children, London, England.
Clinical Pediatrics
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Eczema herpeticum (EH) is a severe skin infection in children with atopic dermatitis. Early diagnosis and treatment with acyclovir led to full recovery in all reported cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Eczema herpeticum (EH) is a serious complication in children with atopic dermatitis.
- It requires prompt recognition and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and laboratory features of eczema herpeticum in a cohort of 14 children.
- To report on diagnostic methods and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 14 pediatric cases diagnosed with eczema herpeticum.
- Analysis of clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and treatment regimens.
Main Results:
- The mean age of affected children was 34 months.
- Rapid viral diagnosis was achieved in 72% of patients.
- Herpes labialis in a parent was noted in one-third of cases.
- 28% of cases were initially misdiagnosed as dermatitis exacerbation or impetiginization.
- 11 children received acyclovir treatment (IV or oral).
Conclusions:
- Eczema herpeticum presents unique clinical features in children with atopic dermatitis.
- Prompt viral diagnosis and antiviral therapy, such as acyclovir, are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Awareness is needed to differentiate EH from other skin conditions in atopic children.
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